Neil Critchley is set to be appointed as the new Hearts manager as early as today after winning the race.
Not the Old Firm revealed on Friday that Critchley was a frontrunner for the Tynecastle vacancy and he was one of two leading candidates along with Norwegian boss Per-Mathias Høgmo. Høgmo fell out of the race after talks as it became clear he would be too expensive.
Other names were mentioned. Swedish boss Kalle Karlsson, currently at Vasteras in his homeland, was considered as were former Wales manager Rob Page and experienced EFL man Gary Rowett.
Jambos chiefs have enlisted the help of Tony Bloom’s analytical companies Starlizard and Jamestown Analaytics as they searched for Steven Naismith’s successor.
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Critchley to be appointed Hearts boss
But Critchley was always at the forefront of the club’s thoughts and he is the man they will turn to as they look to improve their fortunes and pull away from the bottom of the Premiership.
It is believed the former Blackpool and QPR boss came out on top in terms of the data analytics and that is why they were so keen.
Hogmo also impressed the Hearts board with his presentation at the interview stage, but he earned seven figures per year in his last role at Urawa Red Diamonds and the capital club couldn’t get close to that.
Critchley record as Hearts appointment looms
The 45-year-old has been in charge at two clubs – Blackpool (twice) and QPR.
The Seasiders were his first job and he was successful first time round – winning promotion to the Championship via League One play-offs and then comfortably keeping them in the second tier.
That was when he left to become Steven Gerrard’s assistant at Aston Villa. After the former Rangers boss’ sacking, Critchley became manager at QPR. He was in charge for just two months, winning one game of the 12 he managed.
There was then a return to Bloomfield Road, where he missed out on League One play-offs last season and after two defeats to open this campaign, was fired.
Prior to becoming a main man in his own right, he was a coach at Liverpool, where he worked with the under-18s and under-23s. He was highly-respected at the English giants and renowned for player development.
Critchley even stepped into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team shoes when there was a conflicting fixture schedule due to the Club World Cup.